Is no sport sacred?

this is a discussion within the NOLA Community Forum; Now they're saying theres steroid use in golf. I guess they have to bulk up to hold the putter.
http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=2940886...

FBI probes allegations NBA ref bet on games he worked
ESPN.com news services

Updated: July 20, 2007, 11:25 AM ET

NEW YORK -- The FBI is investigating allegations that a veteran NBA referee bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones in which he officiated.

According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered.

The investigation first was reported Friday by the New York Post.

The law enforcement official, who spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity, said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges. The official, who did not identify the referee, is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.

The law enforcement official said the bets involved thousands of dollars and were made on games during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons.

In a statement issued Friday, the NBA said: "We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."

The probe, which began recently, also involves allegations that the referee had connections to organized crime associates. Other arrests are expected, the official said.

The referee had a gambling problem, according to the official, and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.

"These accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter," Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA Referees Association, told Bloomberg News. "In light of the fact that this is an ongoing federal criminal investigation, we have nothing further to say at this time."

FBI probes allegations NBA ref bet on games he worked
ESPN.com news services

Updated: July 20, 2007, 11:25 AM ET

NEW YORK -- The FBI is investigating allegations that a veteran NBA referee bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones in which he officiated.

According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered.

The investigation first was reported Friday by the New York Post.

The law enforcement official, who spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity, said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges. The official, who did not identify the referee, is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.

The law enforcement official said the bets involved thousands of dollars and were made on games during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons.

In a statement issued Friday, the NBA said: "We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."

The probe, which began recently, also involves allegations that the referee had connections to organized crime associates. Other arrests are expected, the official said.

The referee had a gambling problem, according to the official, and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.

"These accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter," Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA Referees Association, told Bloomberg News. "In light of the fact that this is an ongoing federal criminal investigation, we have nothing further to say at this time."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

I'm not even slightly surprised by this. I'll never be accused of being a fan of the NBA...just a casual watcher, and even then only during the playoffs. I watch in amazement at the difference in the calls from one end of the floor to the other. It's blatant at times. I'm speaking of the 'star' treatment the name players clearly get over the tier 2 players.

Now, I'll expect all the NBA fans in here to blast me for saying this in short order, but it is what it is. No other sport is as star driven as the NBA, and when there aren't any the NBA will 'assist'. That this particular official was fixing games has zero shock value to me since I suspect the NBA at the most fixes games, and at the least favors certain players over others.

"I'm not even slightly surprised by this. I'll never be accused of being a fan of the NBA...just a casual watcher, and even then only during the playoffs. I watch in amazement at the difference in the calls from one end of the floor to the other. It's blatant at times. I'm speaking of the 'star' treatment the name players clearly get over the tier 2 players.

Now, I'll expect all the NBA fans in here to blast me for saying this in short order, but it is what it is. No other sport is as star driven as the NBA, and when there aren't any the NBA will 'assist'. That this particular official was fixing games has zero shock value to me since I suspect the NBA at the most fixes games, and at the least favors certain players over"---saintfan

10-4, saintfan. I have a hard time watching NBA games in the regular season and the playoffs. The NBA has it's preferred calls and preferred players and it actually disgusts me to watch. Traveling, offensive charge fouls, contact, 3 seconds in the key... It's hard to watch and it's getting worse with more flopping from the European players.